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Before I can process it, Sterling yanks my body flush with his and presses his lips to mine. I panic for a split-second over my morning breath, but the way he sucks on my lower lip chases all worries away.

His kiss is soft—far softer than any we’ve shared before—and slow. He takes his time, nibbling and tasting and exploring.

Sterling drags his hand up my body to cup my cheek. I sigh at his unexpected tenderness, and he uses the opening to deepen our kiss.

My heart shudders, skipping a beat before pumping into hyperdrive as he slides his tongue against mine.

His erection digs into my belly, yet he makes no move to take things further. His hands don’t stray and his hips don’t roll. And somehow, his respect and his caution turn me on even more.

Seriously, who even is this man?What happened to the Sterling who took unapologetically... the man who all but slammed me against a wall and demanded my mouth? Not that I’m complaining. If anything, he just got four billion times hotter, and I already had him elevated to a god-like status—looks-wise, at least. If his personality well and truly catches up, I might be totally screwed.

He nips at my lip as he pulls away, ending what was easily the best kiss of my life. “That feel like a game to you, baby?”

“No. Not a game,” I sigh and flop onto my back. “But not quite real either.”

Sterling rolls, propping himself up so that he’s looking down at me. “How so?”

“It feels like I woke up in an alternate universe or something. I don’t know how to describe it. Like, my body and my heart are on the same page, but my brain isn’t even in the same chapter.”

“Are you saying I’m in your heart, Emmalyn?” His voice holds a teasing quality, so I laugh instead of replying with words. God knows, if I spoke my truth and hewasonly joking, I would die.

“Well, how about we ground you in reality with some breakfast? I know a great place down by the river.”

“I’m all for breakfast. Two problems though.”

Sterling gives me his most indulgent smile. “I’m known to be a real problem solver.”

“Well, a shower and toothbrush would be amazing. But also, clothes.”

“I just so happen to have a shower, maybe even a spare toothbrush. And, if you can handle last night’s jeans, I bet I can find you a shirt.”

I nod. “Then you’ve got yourself a deal.”

“We could shower together?”

Panic surges through me, but the twinkle in Sterling’s silver eyes chases it away. “Ha-ha. Funny man.”

“I’m hilarious, baby.” He rolls off of me. “Now go shower. I’ll make coffee.”

He stands from the bed, making no attempt to hide theveryprominent bulge hiding beneath his sweats. I’d like to say I avert my eyes, but I’d be lying. And judging from the swagger in Sterling’s step, he likes the attention.

Once he’s out of sight, I scramble out of the bed and into the bathroom. The sight that greets me in the mirror has me cringing. I look like a train wreck times two.

And yet, he still kissed me. Weird and weirder.

I lock the door and start the shower before undressing. I find a new toothbrush under the sink, all the while telling myself I’m not jealous over who it may have been for. I mean, it could have just been an extra for when his needed replacing, right?

I brush twice and swish with mouthwash before stepping under the spray of the shower. I always thought the rainfall head at my stepfather’s house was nice, but this baby makes it seem builder-grade.

The water is the perfect temperature and the perfect pressure. I could give up baths if I had access to this glorious shower every day.

Then again, the tub looks even more amazing. Definitely better than the one we have in our suite on campus. Though, I should probably be glad we even have a tub at all.

I make quick work of washing, even though I could easily spend eternity in here, especially with his scent soaking into my every pore.

Oh, God, I’m going to smell like him all day. How am I supposed to act normal when I’m going to be tempted to sniff myself randomly?

It’s not until I am wrapped up in one of his fluffy gray towels that I realize I don’t have my clothes in here with me. Which leaves me with two options: I can either face him with only this towel for cover, or in my bra and last night’s shirt, because putting on my dirty panties is a no-go.